FAW to launch all-new Hongqi limo HQE in '09

Shanghai, February 6 (Gasgoo.com) FAW Car Co., Ltd is set to release its all-new Hongqing limousine HQE model later this year to restore the time-honored "Red Flag" (Hongqi) brand to its former glory, said 163.com today. The HQE limo will be also sold through the integrated network of the FAW Besturn.

After launching its premium sedan model HQ Shengshi ("Days of Prosperity") last year, FAW Car will roll out more luxury models of the Hongqi series to boost FAW's strategic own-brand development. Reportedly, the royal "Red Flag" HQE limousine has been designated as the VIP car for Chinese president's inspection of the military parade on October 1, 2009, the National Day to mark the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

FAW will launch its new V12 engine this year. The company claimed to have created this engine independently, and said the engine will equip the future Hongqi HQE limo. The first V12 engine from FAW was developed by Chinese engineers. With a capacity of 6.0 liters, the V12 was given the code name CA12VG, with its maximum power to reach at least 400 HP.

The officials at FAW want to make this expensive model a true competitor for Rolls-Royce Phantom and Bentley. This can also be easily seen from the model's design, which was shown as a concept a few years ago. The HQE will be the most expensive Hongqi ever to be produced by the company. Mass production will begin in late 2009.

Hongqi (Red Flag) was the home-grown premium sedan brand for senior Chinese leaders in the 1950s-1980s. FAW Car Co has changed the first new Hongqi model's name from Hongqi HQ3 to Shengshi and said that in the future the car will target private car segment instead of high-end corporate and governmental buyers.